New sea markers introduced to protect swimmers and water sports users

People enjoying Jersey’s coastal waters are being urged to watch for new red-and-white marker buoys designed to make fishing nets easier to spot and reduce the risk of accidents.

The warning comes after changes to Jersey’s fishing regulations require all static fishing nets, whether used by commercial or recreational fishers, to be clearly identified with the coloured floats.

Marine Resources said the changes were prompted by the growing popularity of activities such as swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking.

Officials are concerned that people using the water could accidentally become caught in fishing nets if they are not clearly marked.

A Marine Resources spokesperson advised sea users not to travel between or close to the marker buoys, as their presence indicates that a fishing net is positioned beneath the surface.

The latest regulatory changes go beyond static nets and include updated requirements relating to trawling equipment, scallop dredging and marine protected areas. Most of the changes apply specifically to commercial fishing operations.

Marine Resources said the overhaul followed research by its own team and was intended to simplify existing rules while strengthening the long-term management of Jersey’s marine environment.

There have also been changes to minimum mesh sizes for static nets.

For recreational fishers, the minimum has increased from 90mm to 112mm, while commercial fishers must now use nets with a minimum mesh size of 100mm.

Marine Resources said the requirement to mark static nets clearly had been extended across the island because recreational use of the sea had increased considerably since the previous regulations were introduced.

The authority said the updated rules were intended to strike a balance between protecting Jersey’s marine environment, supporting sustainable fishing and keeping the water safe for everyone who uses it.

With more people taking to the sea for leisure, officials are encouraging water sports enthusiasts to familiarise themselves with the new markers and give fishing equipment a wide berth.